Five Ways To Improve The View From Your Garden

 

As a homeowner, you take pride in your property and want it to look its best. Plenty of us have invested time and money in getting our outdoor spaces up to scratch. In fact, sales of garden furniture and BBQ equipment surged this year and last, as we prepare to welcome friends and family into our outside areas, rather than our homes. While a well-designed garden can certainly enhance the visual appeal of your home, there are other ways to admire and appreciate your property as well.

One feature of many homes that is often overlooked is the windows. Specifically, wooden windows can add warmth and character to a home, while also providing a functional element that allows natural light to flood into your living spaces.

So how can you make the most of your wooden windows and admire your home from the outside? As you sit in your garden and look up at your house, does it really look as good as you’d like it to? Are you ashamed of overgrown window boxes and appalled by peeling paint? Are your gutters wonky and your bins taking centre stage?

Fear not! We’ve pulled together our top five tips to help you improve the view.

 

1. Give window frames and doors a lick of paint

When it comes to home improvement projects, many homeowners focus on the interior of their homes, neglecting the exterior. However, the exterior of your home is just as important as the interior, as it’s the first thing that visitors see and it sets the tone for your home’s overall aesthetic.

One common issue that homeowners notice when scrutinising the exterior of their homes is peeling or faded paintwork. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause paint to deteriorate, leaving your doors, window frames, and gates looking dull and unappealing.

Fortunately, a fresh coat of paint can give your home’s exterior a new lease of life, making it look fresh and modern. Whether you decide to go for the same colour as before or choose a brand new shade, a lick of paint can transform the look and feel of your home in a cost-effective way.

 

The Painting Process

Before you begin the painting process, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, choose the right type of paint for the job. Different surfaces require different types of paint, so be sure to choose a paint that is specifically designed for the material you are painting.

Next, ensure that the surface is properly prepared before painting. This means sanding down any rough areas, removing any loose paint, and cleaning the surface thoroughly to ensure that the new paint will adhere properly.

When it comes to selecting a colour, there are many options available. You may want to choose a colour that complements your home’s existing colour scheme, or you may want to choose a bold, contrasting colour to make a statement. Consider the overall style of your home when selecting a colour, as well as the surrounding homes in your neighborhood.

Once you’ve selected your paint and prepared the surface, it’s time to get painting. Be sure to use the appropriate tools for the job, such as brushes, rollers, and sprayers. Take your time and apply the paint evenly, being careful to avoid drips and streaks.

 

Tip: Thorough preparation is key to doing this properly – removing peeling paint, sanding down woodwork and priming the wood will make a world of difference to the finished effect.

 

 

2. Tidy up window boxes, tubs and hanging baskets

When spring is in the air, it’s time to start thinking about revitalizing your outdoor space. If you have hanging baskets, window boxes, or tubs, now is the perfect time to refresh them with new plants. After the long winter months, it’s likely that they’re looking a bit tired, and replanting them can give your home’s exterior a new lease on life.

Bedding plants are a great choice for hanging baskets and window boxes, as they are colourful and can add a lot of interest to your outdoor space. You can choose from a wide range of different flowers, from daisies and petunias to pansies and begonias, to suit your personal style and taste. New shrubs can also be planted in larger containers or pots, and can provide a more long-lasting solution that will continue to thrive for years to come.

In addition to replanting, it’s important to take the time to weed your outdoor containers. Weeds can quickly take over and detract from the beauty of your plants, so it’s important to keep on top of them to maintain a tidy and attractive appearance.

 

Strategic Placement: For your plants

Another great way to spruce up your outdoor space is to invest in plants that can hide unsightly features, such as your bins or compost area. Strategically placed shrubs or climbing plants can help to obscure these features, while also adding to the overall beauty of your garden.

When selecting plants for your outdoor space, it’s important to consider the amount of sunlight and water they will need, as well as the overall aesthetic you are trying to achieve. By choosing the right plants and investing some time and effort into replanting and weeding, you can really lift your home’s exterior and create a beautiful and inviting outdoor space that you can enjoy all year round.

 

Tip: Go for evergreen plants to make life easier, so you don’t have to upgrade them every season. Or succulents that can thrive without your constant attention.

 

 

3. Weed gutters and fix downpipes

Weeds growing out of gutters not only look unattractive, but they can also lead to a range of problems for your home’s exterior. When left unattended, weeds and other debris can accumulate in your gutters, preventing water from flowing properly through your drainage system. This can cause gutters to overflow, leading to damage to your brickwork, render, and even your wooden windows and doors.

Clearing out your gutters is a crucial task that should be performed regularly, particularly during the autumn months when leaves and debris can build up quickly. By removing this debris, you can prevent it from blocking your gutters and causing water to overflow onto your home’s exterior. This will help to protect your brickwork, render, and wooden windows and doors from water damage, which can be costly to repair over time.

In addition to clearing out debris from your gutters, it’s also important to inspect them for damage or leaks. If your gutters are damaged or leaking, they won’t be able to do their job properly, and water can seep into your home’s exterior. This can cause a range of problems, including damp, mold, and rot, which can be difficult and expensive to repair.

 

Tip: Loose gutters and wonky downpipes can give your exterior an unkempt look, too, so get them securely fixed or replaced if you find that they’re damaged.

 

 

4. Clean your windows, wash your curtains!

Clean and clear windows can significantly enhance the appearance of your home’s exterior. When the sun shines, it can highlight the dirt and grime on your windows from both inside and outside. Regular cleaning of your windows can help keep your home looking cared for and well-maintained, as well as allowing more natural light to enter your home, making your indoor space feel brighter and more inviting.

Cleaning your windows can be a challenging task, particularly for homeowners with multi-story properties or hard-to-reach windows. While some homeowners may attempt to clean their windows themselves, it can be a time-consuming and physically demanding task that requires specialized equipment and cleaning solutions. In addition, if you are not familiar with the proper techniques for cleaning windows, you may end up leaving streaks or scratches on the glass, which can make your windows look worse than before.

 

Hire a professional window cleaner

Hiring a professional window cleaning service can help ensure that your windows are cleaned thoroughly and without damage. Professional window cleaners have the tools and expertise to clean windows at any height or location, and they use specialised cleaning solutions to remove stubborn dirt and grime from your windows.

In addition to improving the appearance of your home’s exterior, regular window cleaning can also help to prolong the lifespan of your windows. Dirt and grime buildup can cause damage to window frames, seals, and hardware over time, leading to costly repairs or replacements.

 

Tip: While your focus is on windows, washing your curtains and wiping down blinds can transform the view from the garden.

 

 

5. Repair rotten wooden frames and sills

Flaking paintwork on your windows can be a sign of underlying issues, such as rotting frames or sills. Not only does this look unsightly, but it can also compromise the integrity of your windows, leading to issues with insulation, energy efficiency, and even security. Therefore, it is crucial to address these issues promptly to avoid further damage and costly repairs.

If you notice flaking paintwork or suspect that your windows may have rotting frames or sills, it is best to call in the experts. Attempting to paint over timber that needs attention will only serve as a temporary fix and may lead to further damage in the long run. Professional window restoration and repair services by Ventrolla can help restore your windows to their former glory, improve their energy efficiency, and add value to your home.

 

Window restoration

Restoring and repairing timber frames and sills involves several steps, including assessing the extent of the damage, removing damaged or rotten sections, and repairing or replacing them with matching materials and design. The process may also involve treating the remaining timber to prevent future damage and to improve the durability and lifespan of the windows.

Moreover, to improving the appearance of your home’s exterior, restoring and repairing wooden frames and sills can add value to your property. Homebuyers are increasingly looking for homes that have been well-maintained and cared for, and high-quality windows are an attractive feature that can make your home stand out in a competitive market.

 

Tip: Specialist restorers, like Ventrolla, can carry out a survey and make recommendations of what work needs to be done. Your windows will thank you for it!

 

Common Problems with Sash Windows

Window renovation

So why not invest a little time on your home’s exterior, before your guests arrive? Even if they don’t notice, you certainly will!

If you have noticed issues with your sash or casement windows, such as flaking paintwork or draughts, it may be time to have a professional survey carried out. A survey can identify any underlying issues and provide you with recommendations for repairs or replacements.

At Ventrolla, we offer a free, no-obligation survey for sash or casement windows. Our team of experts can assess the condition of your windows and provide you with a detailed report of any issues found, along with recommendations for repairs or replacements.

To schedule your free survey, simply contact us now. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have and schedule a convenient time for the survey to be carried out.

Don’t wait until your windows have deteriorated further or are causing serious issues with insulation, energy efficiency, or security. Schedule your free survey today and take the first step towards improving the comfort, appearance, and value of your home.